San Diego International Airport plans to eliminate nearly 1,200 parking spaces in Terminal 2 next month to prepare for the construction of a new Parking Plaza with more parking and upgraded technology.
On Aug. 6, roughly 1,200 close-in parking spaces in Terminal 2 will be closed off and construction is scheduled to officially begin in September. The 1,300 spaces in Terminal 2 will remain accessible to travelers as will the other 1,200 spaces in Terminal 1. The new plaza should be completed by 2018 and include 3,000 parking spaces and a variety of technological developments.
San Diego International has been in need of a parking upgrade for some time now. Analysis shows an increase in travel which results in an increase in the need for parking. United Airlines, the third largest carrier in the airport, moved to Terminal 2 which increased the number of travelers as well as the demand for parking spaces. Customer analysis has also shown that there is a lot of parking further from the airport but the distance is inconvenient and makes traveling and being on time a hassle.
After analyzing customer surveys the director of design and construction, Bob Bolton, determined there were a few things that needed to change at Lindbergh Field.
“Surveys show that the wifi in the airport is poor and that the close-in parking is not much better.”
With limited available space on the airport property, the plan is to build vertically to effectively and efficiently use the space. The new Parking Plaza will be 1 million square feet with three floors and 3,000 close-in parking spaces. These are spots that are deemed to be within reasonable walking distance from the actual terminal. There will be a total of seven elevators, which architects have determined is more than enough but crucial in making sure the plaza does not impact customers’ ability to make flights on time.
The new parking structure is on a 20-month schedule and has an approved budget of $127.8 million. Following the success of The Green Build in Terminal 2 in 2013, Bolton is confident this plan will be both on schedule and a success. The structure will introduce covered parking which currently does not exist at San Diego International. There will also be a cell phone application that will allow travelers to reserve parking spaces, pay in advance, find their parking space and find their car upon returning.
“This has been designed with safety features to help with the customer experience,” Bolton said. “We want people to feel safer and actually be safer. We want to make this a safe and functioning space for meeters, greeters and well wishers.”
The plaza will also have two public art opportunities for local artists. There are teams of artists currently working with the architects and engineers to design installations that are expressive, helpful and promote safety. To foster a safe environment the design includes well-lit areas and glass-back elevators. The plaza will also feature a view balcony that will be open to the public.
“Anyone can come and park or travelers can take a break and a selfie and enjoy the harbor and the skyline,” Bolton said.
“This is more than just a parking garage hence the plaza,” Bolton said. “We want to enhance the customer experience, increase demand, drive revenue and hopefully be able to fund and complete the renovation of Terminal 1 in the future.”
During construction there will be discounted valet parking, frequent shuttles running from alternative further lots and www.upgradeyourparking.com will be fully functioning and able to reserve parking spaces, provide directions and options and update customers with the latest news on construction.
More information about the design, construction and parking options can be found at www.san.org/Airport-Projects/Parking-Plaza.